Evaluation of five methods for determining low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in hemodialysis patients11Abbreviations: TC: total cholesterol; TG: triglycerides; LDL-C: LDL cholesterol; HDL-C: HDL cholesterol; LDL-UC: LDL cholesterol measured by the ultracentrifugation/dextran sulfate-Mg2+ precipitation assay; posPV: positive predictive value; negPV: negative predictive value; CHD: coronary heart disease; HD: hemodialysis patients.

Objectives: Current recommendations for the management of dyslipidemia are largely based on the concentration of LDL-C. Most clinical laboratories estimate the concentration of LDL-C by the recommended routine method, the equation of Friedewald, in specimens from fasting subjects and with TG concentrations < 4.52 mmol/L. Because of the limitations of the Friedewald calculation, direct methods for an accurate quantification of LDL-C are needed.